Unmet needs hound many breast cancer patients

A recent study in Bangladesh recommends the inclusion of an individual’s unmet need assessment in every treatment protocol of breast cancer to achieve better treatment outcomes.

A team of investigators performed this cross-sectional study to identify and measure patterns and predictors of unmet needs of breast cancer patients. They included a total of 138 patients, selected from two public and two private cancer institutes.

The investigators then conducted face-to-face interviews for data collections, as well as a medical record review for checklist. They determined the patients’ unmet need using the supportive care needs survey short form 34 scale. The predictors of unmet needs were identified through logistic regression analyses.

The findings revealed the top 10 moderate-to-high needs, of which the top five were from the information need domain. Of note, one significant predictor for unmet needs was private cancer treatment centres. Patients from private cancer institutes reported more explanation needs and needs with the physical and daily living, as well as sexuality.

Patients receiving combination therapy reported more need for help compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone. In addition, housewives reported the low need for patient care and support systems due to reluctant behaviour towards their health.

“Breast cancer survivor goes through a period of needs in their post-treatment daily life,” the investigators said. “Relatively few studies have been conducted to understand the unmet needs among breast cancer survivors in Bangladesh.”